Selling products containing batteries? Make sure you’re compliant with the regulations by this upcoming deadline 

As announced by Stiftung EAR (the German national register for waste electrical equipment and batteries), the latest EU Batteries Regulation (2023/1542) introduces significant changes that will impact a wide range of products, especially batteries and products containing batteries. Find out what you need to do, the products affected, and the relevant countries and deadlines to note.

A quick recap: What is the EU Batteries Regulation?

Also known as BattG, the regulation is a new set of rules to make batteries more sustainable and safe. It aims to replace an older directive in August 2025, and covers:

1. Ensuring that batteries are produced, used, and disposed of in an environmentally friendly and safe manner
2. The entire lifecycle of batteries, from production to disposal, including recycling and second-life uses
3. Definitions of different categories of batteries, such as portable batteries, batteries for electric vehicles (EVS), industrial batteries, and more – and each category has specific requirements
4. CE marking for all batteries, indicating they meet EU standards. This includes requirements for carbon footprint, recycled content, and performance 

Overall, the new regulation aims to promote the use of batteries that are better for the environment and safer for consumers. The regulation started to apply on February 18 2024, and will fully replace the old Battery Directive by August 18, 2025.

It’s part of the evolving regulations around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste (WEEE) and Batteries – and AVASK can support you with everything your business needs for Environmental Compliance.

What are the latest changes? 

Starting 18 August 2025, all German Batteries Act (BattG) registration numbers for non-German companies must be registered through an Authorised Representative (AR). Having a valid BattG registration number is crucial for compliance – without it, you may face legal issues, product removal from the market, or financial penalties.

What’s a BattG registration number?

A German BattG registration number is a unique identifier assigned to producers or distributors of batteries in Germany.
This number is issued by Stiftung EAR once a company successfully registers under the BattG.

What do sellers need to do? 

Registrations must be submitted through an AR, or they will be invalid. Companies can also provide evidence of having a branch in Germany to bypass this requirement. 

What happens if you don’t act now? 

You’ll be at risk of compliance problems, product removal from marketplaces, or the inability to sell on the German marketplace. AVASK can support you with compliance – contact us now to register.  

Which product categories are affected by BattG? 

• Portable batteries found in consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, and remote controls. 

• Portable batteries of general use – common formats such as AA and button cells. 

• Light Means of Transport (LMT) batteries used in electric bicycles and other light transportation. 

• Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) batteries, typically used in non-electric vehicles. 

• Electric vehicle (EV) batteries which provide power for hybrid or electric vehicles. 

• Industrial batteries designed for industrial uses or batteries weighing more than 5 kilograms. 

These products must comply with new sustainability, labelling, and safety requirements, including ensuring batteries are removable and replaceable by the end user. 

Which European countries require compliance with BattG?

Every country in the EU, and some EEA (European Economic Area) countries, require compliance with BattG:

Key compliance deadlines for BattG

18 August 2025: 

• Labelling: Batteries must have a CE mark affixed to them before being placed on the market. 

• Due diligence compliance: Economic operators must implement due diligence policies. 

• Battery waste management: Producers must financially cover waste management costs for any battery placed on the EU market. 

18 November 2025: Notification of competent authorities regarding compliance. 

31 December 2025: Implementation of the first phase of recycling efficiency targets. 

What happens if you’re not compliant? 

EU Member States must establish rules on penalties for infringements of the new regulation by August 18, 2025. Those penalties will depend on the nature, gravity, scope, intentional nature, and repetition of the infringements.  

Non-compliance can lead to product removal from the market and potential financial penalties, so act now to ensure compliance with the updated BattG registration requirement.